Japan 2026

A collection of 21 places curated by Georgia Watson

Places in this collection

  1. Koenjikita

    shop

    Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0002, Japan

    Shops under a covered shopping street, hidden gems

    KoenjikitaView on Google Maps

  2. Ueno

    attraction

    Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan

    More practical than trendy, less curated, bigger resale chains and watch/camera shops

    UenoView on Google Maps

  3. Shimokitazawa

    shop

    Shimokitazawa, Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

    Neighborhood for thrifting, wide range of goods including designer and American vintage

    ShimokitazawaView on Google Maps

  4. Harajuku

    other

    Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

    Popular place for tourists, higher prices, central

    HarajukuView on Google Maps

  5. Yasaka Shrine

    attraction

    625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan

    Shrine with fewer people, allowing for relaxation.

    Yasaka ShrineView on Google Maps

  6. Mount Daimonji

    attraction

    Japan, 〒606-8442 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shishigatani Daikokudanicho, 大文字山

    Mountain with a large letter that is lit up at night.

    Mount DaimonjiView on Google Maps

  7. Enryaku-ji

    attraction

    4220 Sakamotohonmachi, Otsu, Shiga 520-0116, Japan

    Sacred temple on Mount Hiei.

    Enryaku-jiView on Google Maps

  8. Sanjūsangendō Temple

    attraction

    657 Sanjusangendomawari, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0941, Japan

    Temple with a thousand Kannon statues, each with a different face.

    Sanjūsangendō TempleView on Google Maps

  9. Kuramadera Temple

    attraction

    1074 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1111, Japan

    Quiet temple with few tourists.

    Kuramadera TempleView on Google Maps

  10. Gojo Hall (formerly Gojo Rakuen Kaburenjo)

    attraction

    61 Hiraicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8118, Japan

    Area with traditional crafts, cafes, and a public bath.

    Gojo Hall (formerly Gojo Rakuen Kaburenjo)View on Google Maps

  11. Kamo River

    attraction

    Kamo River, Kyoto, Japan

    River with fewer people, allowing for relaxation.

    Kamo RiverView on Google Maps

  12. Arashiyama

    attraction

    Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan

    Bamboo forest, best visited in the morning to avoid crowds.

    ArashiyamaView on Google Maps

  13. Cluster of Japanese Houses

    other

    14F, 3 Chome-1-1 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031, Japan

    Cluster of restored Japanese houses hosting a local bakery and beer hall.

    Cluster of Japanese HousesView on Google Maps

  14. Kamachiku

    restaurant

    2 Chome-14-18 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan

    Michelin Bib Gourmand Udon restaurant hidden inside a former warehouse. They roll and cut the dough fresh for every order. Private Zen garden.

    KamachikuView on Google Maps

  15. Cow Books

    shop

    Japan, 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−24−2 タカシマヤタイムズスクエア 南館 6F

    Tiny bookstore selling antique woodblock prints for a bargain.

    Cow BooksView on Google Maps

  16. Yanaka Ginza

    attraction

    3-chōme-13-1 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan

    Tokyo’s Cat Town. Quirky cat cafe, a tribute to the felines that found sanctuary in the area’s 100+ temples.

    Yanaka GinzaView on Google Maps

  17. Nezu Shrine

    attraction

    1-chōme-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0031, Japan

    Walk the torii gates during the Bunkyo Azalea Festival to see 3,000+ blooming shrubs.

    Nezu ShrineView on Google Maps

  18. Tokyo

    other

    Tokyo, Japan

    Century old Himalayan cedar. It started as a potted plant before the war and was safe from redevelopment by the locals. It's the soul of this neighborhood.

    TokyoView on Google Maps

  19. Kayaba Coffee

    cafe

    6-chōme-1-29 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan

    Family run legacy kissaten, originally a candy shop in 1916. One of Tokyo's oldest coffee shops with over 100 years of history. Traditional tatami mats and specialty egg sandwich.

    Kayaba CoffeeView on Google Maps

  20. Arakurayama Sengen Park

    attraction

    Japan, 〒403-0005 Yamanashi, Fujiyoshida, Kamiyoshida, 2 Chome−5−1 Q－STA 地下１階

    Famous spot with almost no crowd to see Mt. Fuji on a full-bloom spring day at sunset

    Arakurayama Sengen ParkView on Google Maps